Diana Lewis, founding trustee, of North Devon Animal Ambulance faced a tricky rescue mission after a member of the public called stating that the bird was in “obvious distress” (Image: North Devon Animal Ambulance)

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The charity spokesman said: “There they lay, swan and Pauline, side by side in the mud. The others raced up the path and climbed fences, in desperate efforts to get to Pauline and the swan before it got free.

“They ploughed through the marsh to get to them, and finally they were able to throw a blanket over the swan and help an exhausted Pauline to her feet.

“Then came the struggle to get the swan back to the ambulance. The rescuers were all utterly exhausted, frozen and soaking wet, but relieved that they would not have to leave the poor creature out on the marsh to a horrible fate.”

Diana was able to administer first aid to the bird and arranged for another vehicle to take the swan to West Hatch Wildlife Hospital in Taunton.

The rescue mission had taken more than hours across two days.

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The spokesman for the charity warned of the dangers of Braunton marshes.

They said: “The drainage ditches are at least 8ft deep and at all times during this rescue, Diana and Pauline had to be aware of the health and safety of not only themselves, but also the numerous members of the public who stopped to help.

“With their expertise and the local knowledge they had on hand this rescue was completed without harm or injury to anyone.

“If you ever see an animal in distress, call for expert help. Do not attempt to rescue it yourself.”